Dual rotation rotary torso exercise bench

ABSTRACT

An exercise machine ( 100 ) for exercising the rotary torso muscles of the human body, whereupon a user&#39;s body is supported in a generally supine position. The machine is comprised of a frame structure ( 101 ) with a rotable upper torso support ( 105 ) (including a head and back rest ( 121 )), a rotatable lower torso support ( 103 ) (including a seat ( 119 )) and feet stabilizing rollers ( 110 ), aligned longitudinally. The device further comprises a knee cushion ( 104 ) for rotating the lower torso support ( 103 ) and a peg ( 106 ) upon a weight support arm ( 127 ) for holding free weights that impart resistance against the rotation of the upper and lower torso supports ( 105, 103 ). Supplemental resistance to the rotation movement may be provided by a belt mechanism ( 180  of FIG.  4 ) including a belt ( 181 ) wrapped around a cam ( 151 ) connected to the axle ( 157 ) of the upper torso support ( 105 ) and up through the weight support arm upon which free weights are placed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to an exercise machine, and moreparticularly it relates to a dual rotation rotary torso exercise machinethat simultaneously exercises both the upper and lower torso in agenerally supine position.

(2) Description of Prior Art

Exercise equipment designed to specifically focus on or isolate theabdominal muscles is well known in the art. However, such equipment doesnot provide for simultaneous isolated exercising of the upper and lowerabdominal muscles through movement of the both the upper and lowertorso.

Examples of devices designed to target rotary torso musclestraditionally have an arrangement similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 6,575,884 to Eazor; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,456,245 to Baldwin. Eazor'884 discloses an abdominal exercise machine that lifts both the upperand the lower torso up in the same direction, rather than rotating themin opposite directions to provide more a workout to the abdominalmuscles. The Baldwin '245 rotary torso machine is configured so that auser's body is supported in a generally upright seated position, upperand lower torso portions are engaged so as to restrict movement of theuser's body to rotary movement of the upper torso relative to the lowertorso about an axis extending longitudinally of the user's body, andforce (by means of weights in this instance) is imposed to resist suchmovement. In a seated position the hips are flexed such that thetargeted muscles are necessarily slightly flexed and unable to reachmaximum extension during the rotary torso exercises.

Applicant's own co-pending U.S. publication no. 20060172869 disclosesanother variation that supports a user's body in a generally supineposition with a fixed lower torso support and rotatable upper torsosupport, and a peg for holding free weights that impart resistanceagainst the rotation of the upper torso support.

In virtually all apparatuses that offer this type of exercise, the armsand shoulders initiate the initial force of the rotation (instead of theisolated action of the lower muscles as desired). Furthermore, much ofthe equipment designed to focus exercise effort on the abdominal musclesincorporates the weight of the user as resistance and cannot, therefore,be adjusted for incorporation into a resistance training program.

Ideally, rotary torso exercises should be performed with the hips atleast partially extended in a generally supine position, so that thetargeted oblique, rectus abdominus, and upper thigh muscles are able toreach maximum extended and flexed positions. Performing the exercise ina generally supine position with hips at least partially extended,versus sitting or standing, also reduces pressure and weight on thelower back and spine, allowing the user to work the targeted areawithout stress to other areas. In addition, the lower abdominal musclesshould initiate the initial force of the rotation, instead of arms andupper torso. Moreover, the user should be able to selectively vary theresistance levels as well as the degrees and directions of rotation, inorder to effectively target and condition specific muscles in the torsoarea.

In light of the foregoing, it would be advantageous over the prior artto provide a dual rotation rotary torso machine in which a user's bodyis supported in a generally supine position with hips at least partiallyextended with the upper and lower torso portions separately supportedand engaged to rotate in opposite directions about an axis extendinglongitudinally of the user's body, and free weights are used to imposeand to vary resistance to such movement. By moving both the upper andlower torso in opposite directions, the user will stretch and work outthe abdominal muscles and, at the same time, the user will feel less ofa strain on his lower spine than if he were only to move his uppertorso. This would be especially beneficial to patients duringrehabilitative therapy as well as users who want to prevent any risk ofback injury while exercising. Additionally it would be advantageous toprovide a belt mechanism, which provides added resistance and allows amore intense rotary torso workout for the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide adual rotation rotary torso device which rotates both the upper and lowertorso of a user's body, and thereby reduces the risk of back injuries.

Another object of the present invention is provide a dual rotationrotary torso device which moves both the upper and lower torso inopposite directions, and thereby stretches and works out the user'sabdominal muscles.

It is another object to provide a dual rotary torso device in which auser's body is supported in a generally supine position with hips atleast partially extended and upper and lower torso portions separatelysupported to rotate in opposite directions about an axis extendinglongitudinally of the user's body, thereby working the abdominal muscleswith less strain on the lower spine.

It is another object to provide a dual rotary torso device that relieson free weights supplemented by a belt-resistance system to varyresistance to such movement.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a dual rotationrotary torso device that is especially useful to a patient undergoingrehabilitative therapy.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dual rotationrotary torso device that is particularly suited for commercial use ingyms and the like as it targets one muscle group.

These and other objects are accomplished by a novel method and apparatusfor exercising the rotary torso muscles of the human body in a safe,efficient and accurate manner. The device is an exercise machine onwhich a user's body is supported in a generally supine position. Themachine is comprised of a frame structure with a rotatable upper torsosupport (including a head and back rest), a rotatable lower torsosupport (including a seat) and feet stabilizing rollers, alignedlongitudinally. The device further comprises a knee cushion for rotatingthe lower torso support and a peg upon a weight support arm for holdingfree weights that impart resistance against the rotation of the upperand lower torso supports. In an alternate embodiment, additionalresistance to the rotation movement is provided by a belt mechanismwhich wraps around a disk connected to the axle of the upper torsosupport and up through the weight support arm upon which free weightsare placed.

In use, the user's upper and lower torsos are engaged so as to restrictmovement of the user's body to rotary movement of the upper torsorelative to the lower torso about an axis extending longitudinally ofthe user's body, and force is imposed to resist such movement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent from the following detailed description of thepreferred embodiments and certain modifications thereof when takentogether with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view drawing of a preferred embodiment of the rotarytorso machine 100 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view drawing of the foot hold 102, knee cushion 104,and lower support bar 103.

FIG. 3 is a side view drawing of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a side view drawing an alternate embodiment of the rotatableupper torso support 152, which includes a belt system 180 for providingadded resistance.

FIG. 5 is a side view drawing of the rotatable upper torso support 105.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The rotary torso exercise machine of the present invention is anexercise machine on which a user's body is supported in a generallysupine position with hips at least partially extended and the upper andlower torso portions separately supported and engaged to rotate inopposite directions. A combination of free weights and belt-resistanceis employed to vary resistance to such movement. By moving both theupper and lower torso in opposite directions, the user is able tostretch and work out the abdominal muscles.

Moreover, this dual rotation from the supine position imposes lessstrain on the lower spine.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a rotary torso machine 100according to a preferred embodiment, which includes six core features:(1) a freestanding frame 101, (2) a foot hold 102, (3) a rotatable lowertorso support 103, (4) a fixed knee cushion 104 for rotating the lowertorso support 103, (5) a rotatable upper torso support 105, and (6) apeg 106 for holding free weights that impart resistance against therotation of the upper 105 and lower 103 torso supports.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the rotary torso machine 100 as in FIG. 1showing the upper torso support 105 and lower torso support 103 inopposite rotation.

In general use, a user lies with buttocks seated atop rotatable lowertorso support 103 in a supine position with feet braced in foot hold 102and knees straddling knee cushion 104, the upper torso atop upper torsosupport 105, and counter-rotates the upper and lower torso supports 103,105 against the weight on peg 106.

The frame 101 serves as a supporting structure and is preferably made ofcommercial grade hollow 2″ square steel tubing having a first end 107and a second end 108, connected together by a center bar 109. However,those skilled in the art will recognize that other materials may besuitable for constructing the frame 101. The lower torso support 103 andfoot hold 102 are pivotally connected to the frame 101 at the second end108, and the upper torso support 105 is pivotally connected to the frame101 at the first end 107, such that they maintain the position of theuser's upper torso, lower, and feet, respectively, in a generally supineposition along the longitudinal axis extending the length of the frame101 from the first end 107 to the second end 108.

FIG. 2 is a side-view of the foot hold 102, knee cushion 104, and lowertorso support 103. The foot hold 102 may be formed an integral part ofthe frame 101, protruding from the second end 108 of the frame 101. Thefoot hold 102 includes a substantially U-shaped bar 111 having anoutwardly extended vertical strut 112 supporting a pair of lateralrollers 110 (or alternatively, fixed lateral struts), the rollers 110extending parallel at a spaced distance from each other. The rollers 110(or fixed struts) are preferably wrapped in a foam cushion for comfort.The user may rest his feet as desired on rollers 110, the foot hold 102as a whole serving to immobilize the user's feet during the exercise.

The lower torso support 103 is comprised of a lower torso support bar114 that is integrally connected via an axle to the foot hold 102 at thesecond end 108 of the frame 101. One or more (here two) bearing blocks115, 116 are welded/bolted to the upward extension of the second end 108of the frame 101, and the axle is rotatably seated in the bearing blocks115, 116, thereby pivotally connecting the foot hold 102 and lower torsosupport member 103 to the frame 101. The bearing blocks 115, 116 sitatop of a metal plate 117. A limiter 118 comprises a downwardlyextending strut affixed to the axle between foot hold 102 and lowertorso support bar 114 and extending to the frame 101. The limiter 118rotates with the foot hold 102 and lower torso support bar 114 until itbears against the frame 101, thereby limiting the angle of rotation(effectively controlling the direction of rotation). A seat cushion 119is screwed or otherwise attached to the lower torso support bar 114. Thesupport bar 114 is ideally formed from the same hollow steel tubing asthe frame 101.

The knee cushion 104 is a cylindrical cushion inserted onto a bar 120which is welded at one end or otherwise attached to the axle between thefoot hold 102 and lower torso support bar 114, adjacent the limiter 118.The knee cushion 104 likewise rotates with the foot hold 102 and lowertorso support bar 114. The knee cushion 104 is preferably cylindrical asit allows a user to easily pin his knees around it and use it, togetherwith feet stabilizing rollers 112, as leverage to rotate his lower torsoalong the longitudinal axis, in a direction opposite his upper torso.

With combined reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, the upper torso support105 is designed to support the head, shoulders, upper torso, and arms ofthe user. Upper torso support 105 includes a number of cushions 121,which form the head/back rest and arm rests, all of which are attachedto and supported by a rigid center support arm 122. The center supportarm 122 of the upper torso support 105 is pivotally attached to thefirst end 107 of the frame 101. The preferred means of pivotalattachment of the center support arm 122 to the first end 107 includes athrough bore (not shown) on the center support arm 122 for mounting itonto one end of an axle 123, such that it may rotate about the axle 123.The axle 123 is in turn mounted on bushings or bearings installed in acorresponding through-bore in the first end 107 of frame 101, or in abearing block mounted atop first end 107 that extends along thelongitudinal axis of the frame 101 (similar to the pivotal mounting ofthe foot hold 102 and lower torso support bar 114). The axle 123 extendspast the frame 101 into a disk 124 having a number of holes 125 aroundits periphery. This disk 124 includes a cam 126 at the end, around whichyet another support bar (weight support arm 127) is fixedly attached.The opposite end of weight support arm 127 has an attached protrudingpeg 106 for supporting free weights.

A semi-circular plate 129 is mounted on the axle 123, between the frame101 and the disk 124. A key-holed peg 125 is attached to the frame 101directly in front of the plate 129. The plate 129 includes a number ofholes 131 around its periphery, and the key-hole in the peg 125 linesups with a hole 131. The semi-circular plate 129 operates inlocking/unlocking the Y-shaped chest bar 132.

The upper torso support 105 further comprises a Y-shaped chest bar 132,which connects the cushions 121 to the center support arm 122. A cushion121 is attached atop each of two upwardly curved plates 133, which arebolted to the center arm 122, with one plate 133 on each side of the arm122. The cushions 121 atop each of the plates 133 form arm rests for theuser. A hinge 134 connects each of the plates 133 to each of the ends ofthe Y-shaped bar 132. One plate 133 includes a hinge 134 connected tothe bottom of the plate 133, wherein a pin 135 passes through the bottomof the hinge 134 and end of the bar 132, and that pin 135 is connectedto a cable 136 with a spring-loaded pin mechanism 137 on the oppositeend of it. The pin mechanism 137 will selectively engage and disengagethe key-holed peg 125 and semi-circular plate 129. Pulling the chest bar132 down releases the cable 136 and thereby selectively disengages thespring loaded pin mechanism 135 from the plate 129, allowing the centerarm 122 to rotate about the axle 123 and thereby allows the user toexercise securely within the device 100 without the possibility offalling out. Pulling the chest bar 132 up, engages the pin 135 in a holein the semi-circular plate 129 thereby fixing or locking the axle 123and thus preventing the center arm 122 from rotating. This mechanism forlocking the axle 123 when the chest bar 132 is raised prevents a userfrom operating the device 100 and attempting to exercise without beingsecured within the device 101 by the chest bar 132.

The Y-shaped chest bar 132 forms right and left side bars connected by acenter bar, by which the user pulls the chest bar down over his chest.The right and left side bars include hand grips 139 on each side forproviding the user with additional support and bracing during exercises.The Y-shaped bar 132 and the support arm 122 are ideally formed from thesame hollow steel tubing as the frame 101.

Attached to a Y-shaped chest bar 132 (opposite the side with the hinge134 described above) is a hand controlled actuator 140 connected to acable 141. The cable 141 is in turn connected to a spring loaded pinmechanism 142 that is fixed to the center support arm 122 adjacent theaxle 123. The disk 124 having a plurality of holes 143 adjacent itsperimeter, engages the pin mechanism 142. Depressing and releasing theactuator 140 pulls and releases the cable 141, respectively, and therebyselectively disengages and engages (locks) the spring loaded pin 142into disk 124. When the pin 142 is engaged in a hole 143, the supportbar 122 is effectively fixed or locked to the axle 123, such thatrotation of support bar 122 rotates the axle 123 meeting the resistanceimparted by weights on arm 127. When the pin 142 is disengaged from ahole 143, the support bar 122 is free to rotate about the axle 123 inorder to vary the position of the pin 142. Varying the position of thepin 142 engaged in the disk 124, varies the position of the upper torsosupport 105 relative to the position of the weight arm 127, therebyallowing the user to vary the degree of rotation about the user'slongitudinal axis during which resistance is imparted as well as thedirection of resistance.

A second limiter 144 is connected to the center support arm 122 andcomprises a downwardly extending strut affixed to the center support arm122 and extending to the frame 101 until it sits at a vertically spaceddistance beneath the center bar 109. The limiter 144 rotates with theupper torso support 105 until it bears against the frame 101, therebylimiting the angle of rotation (effectively controlling the direction ofrotation. This limiter 144 bears against a plate 145 which is screwed toa hollow bar 146 that is horizontally suspended at a spaced distancebeneath the center bar 109 of the frame 101. This hollow bar 146 extendshorizontally, underneath the center bar 109 of the frame 101. The hollowbar 146 passes through two bearing blocks 147, one at each end of theframe 101. The plate 148 sits above each bearing block 147.

Similarly, the bottom of the limiter 118 that forms part of the lowertorso support assembly 103 extends vertically downward on the oppositeside of the frame 101 and is screwed to a plate 150 which is screwed tothe hollow bar 146 that is horizontally suspended at a spaced distancebeneath the center bar 109 of the frame 101.

These combined plates 148, 150 and limiters 118, 144 permit the uppertorso support assembly 105 and the lower torso support assembly 103 toonly rotate in opposing directions.

The weight support arm 127 is further comprised of an optional stoppingmechanism (i.e. peg or spring loaded peg mechanism), which may beengaged on either side of the frame 101 and when engaged prevents theweight support 127 from rotating beyond a predetermined angle relativeto the frame 101 (i.e. stops the arm 127 at an angle of 25 degrees fromperpendicular).

Both the lower torso seat 119 and the upper cushion 121 aretriangular-shaped, thereby allowing users of various sizes (short andtall people) to slide forward and backward until they find theircomfortable spot on the seat 119 and cushion 121, respectively.

In detailed operation, the user places free weights on weight peg 106.The user then sits on lower torso support seat 119, placing his feet infoot hold 102 and lying back onto upper to support 105. In the preferredposition the lower back remains flat. The user then pulls the chest bar132 over his chest. Holding the side of the chest bar 132, the userdepresses actuator 140, rotates upper torso support 105 to the desiredstarting position, and releases actuator 140. The user then rotates hislower torso in the opposite direction and begins the rotation exerciseagainst the resistance imparted by weights. In the illustratedembodiment the user can counter-rotate his upper and lower torsoapproximately 40 degrees to each side against the free-weight resistance(for a total of 80 degrees of rotation), thereby strengthening andexercising his rotary torso muscles.

FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of the rotatable upper torsosupport 152, which includes a belt system 180 for providing addedresistance.

The upper torso support 152 comprises a number of cushions 153, whichform the head/back rest and arm rests, all of which are attached to andsupported by a rigid center support arm 154. The center support arm 154is rotatably attached to the first end 155 of the frame 156. Thepreferred means of rotatably attaching the center support arm 154 to thefirst end 155 includes a through bore 157 on the center support arm 154for mounting it onto one end of an axle 158, such that it may rotateabout the axle 158. The axle 158 is in turn mounted on bushings orbearings (not shown) installed either in a corresponding through-bore inthe frame 156 or in a bearing block (not shown) mounted atop first end155 that extends along the longitudinal axis of the frame 156. The axle158 extends into another through-bore (not shown) of a disk 159 with anumber of holes 160 around its periphery. This disk 159 includes a cam151 at the end, around which a belt 181 is wrapped. The belt 181,preferably a fiber-reinforced rubber or other suitable belting material,is a continuous belt that extends up and wraps around a horizontal rod182 built into the end of the weight support arm 161. The belt 181 isthin, flat, and about an inch wide. The belt 181 is clamped around therod 182 and beneath the cam 151 to keep the belt 181 in place andprevent it from spinning around. The belt 181 provides added resistanceto the weight support arm 161, which also has an attached protruding peg162 for supporting free weights (opposite the rod 182). Whicheverdirection the user rotates to, the arm 161 moves up and the one side ofthe belt tensions while the other side slacks. This configurationemploys both sides of the wound belt 181 which is significant in thecontext of a rotary torso machine. Conventional belt-type resistancemachines employ a single-strand belt which results in a degree of “slop”(very little resistance” until about 30 degrees of rotation, when thebelt begins to stretch. With a rotary torso machine as illustrated theuser can rotate the machine in either direction (clockwise andcounterclockwise) and the support arm 127 will move up causing one sideof the belt 181 to immediately tension while the other slacks, therebyimparting immediate supplemental resistance to the weight on the weightsupport arm 161. The user experiences no slop.

A semi-circular plate 163 is mounted on the axle 158, between the frame156 and the disk 159. A key-holed peg 165 is attached to the frame 156directly in front of the plate 163, which includes a number of holes 166around its periphery, and the key-hole in the peg 167 lines ups with ahole 166. The semi-circular plate 163 operates in locking/unlocking theY-shaped chest bar 168, which connects the cushions 153 to the centersupport arm 154. A cushion 153 is attached atop each of two upwardlycurved plates 169, which are bolted to the center arm 154, with oneplate 164 on each side of the arm 154. The cushions 153 atop each of theplates 164 form arm rests for the user. A hinge 170 connects each of theplates 164 to each of the ends of the Y-shaped bar 168. One plate 164includes a hinge 170 connected to the bottom of the plate 164, wherein apin 171 passes through the bottom of the hinge 170 and end of the bar168, and that pin 171 is connected to a cable 172 with a spring-loadedpin mechanism 173 on the opposite end of it. The pin mechanism 173 willselectively engage and disengage the key-holed peg 165 and semi-circularplate 163, when the bar 168 is pulled up and down, respectively.

Attached to a Y-shaped chest bar 168 (opposite the side with the hinge170 described above) is a hand controlled actuator 174 connected to acable 175. The cable 175 is in turn connected to a spring loaded pinmechanism 176 that is fixed to the center support arm 154 adjacent theaxle 158. The disk 159 with a number of holes 160 adjacent itsperimeter, engages the pin mechanism 142. Depressing and releasing theactuator 174 pulls and releases the cable 175, respectively, and therebyselectively disengages and engages (locks) the spring loaded pin 176into disk 159. When the pin 176 is engaged in a hole, the support bar154 is effectively fixed or locked to the axle 158, such that rotationof support bar 154 rotates the axle 158 meeting the resistance impartedby weights on arm 161. When the pin 142 is disengaged from a hole, thesupport bar, disk, and cam are free to rotate about the axle 158 andthey thereby tension the belt on one side which pulls the weight arm 161up in the air, creating resistance.

All of the other components of FIG. 4 were previously described inregard to the first embodiment.

In light of the foregoing, it should be apparent that the rotary torsomachine 100 of the present invention provides a unique exercise machinefor safely and effectively targeting the rotary torso muscles, and thusideally suited for commercial use in gyms and the like. It should alsobe apparent that such a rotary torso machine 100 is ideally suited foruse in homes, small gyms, clinics, hospitals, or the like. Theconfiguration of the machine places the user in the best position forcarrying out rotary torso exercises, namely generally supine with hipsat least slightly extended and upper and lower torsos twisted inopposite directions. It further allows the user to vary the directionand degree of resistance imparted during the exercise.

Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiment and certainmodifications of the concept underlying the present invention, variousother embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of theembodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to thoseskilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept.It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practicedotherwise than as specifically set forth in the appended claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Traditional exercise equipment designed to focus exercise effort on theabdominal muscles does not provide for simultaneous isolated exercisingof the upper and lower abdominal muscles through movement of the boththe upper and lower torso, and are inefficient because they placedemands on the arms and shoulders to initiate the initial force of therotation, instead of by the isolated action of the lower musclesthemselves. Furthermore, traditional exercise equipment tends to rely onthe weight of the user for resistance and cannot be adjusted forincorporation into a variable resistance training program. There issignificant industrial applicability for a rotary torso exercise machinethat facilitates rotary torso exercises with the hips at least partiallyextended in a generally supine position, so that the targeted oblique,rectus abdominus, and upper thigh muscles are able to reach maximumextended and flexed positions without placing pressure and weight on thelower back and spine, allowing the user to work the targeted areawithout stress to other areas. In addition, the lower abdominal musclesshould initiate the initial force of the rotation, instead of arms andupper torso, and the user should be able to selectively vary theresistance levels as well as the degrees and directions of rotation, inorder to effectively target and condition specific muscles in the torsoarea. The present invention achieves these and other goals, and furtherprovides a belt resistance mechanism, which provides added resistanceand allows a more intense rotary torso workout for the user.

1. A rotary torso exercise machine, comprising: a freestanding framehaving an upwardly extended first end spaced from an upwardly extendedsecond end and connected thereto by a center bar; an upper torso supportrotatably attached to the first end of said frame between said first endand said second end for supporting a user's upper torso in a supineposition; a lower torso support rotatably attached to the second end ofsaid frame between said first end and said second end for supporting auser's lower torso in alignment with the upper torso in said supineposition; feet stabilizing struts attached to said lower torso supportoutside of said frame, and rotatable with said lower torso support forstabilizing the user's feet in said supine position; and a kneestabilizer attached to said lower torso support and rotatable therewithfor allowing said user to straddle the knees thereabout while in saidsupine position to rotate said lower torso support.
 2. The rotary torsoexercise machine according to claim 1, further comprising free weightsfor imparting resistance.
 3. The rotary torso exercise machine accordingto claim 2, wherein said free weights may be selectively attached tosaid upper torso support.
 4. The rotary torso exercise machine accordingto claim 1, further comprising a belt for imparting resistance.
 5. Therotary torso exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein said beltmay be selectively attached to said upper torso support.
 6. The rotarytorso exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein said upper torsosupport further comprises a limiter for limiting rotation of said uppertorso support to a direction opposite said lower support.
 7. The rotarytorso exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein said lower torsosupport further comprises a limiter for limiting rotation of said lowertorso support to a direction opposite said upper torso support
 8. Arotary torso exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein said uppertorso support comprises: an axle mounted at said first end of said framea center support arm supporting a plurality of cushions forming a headand back rest, wherein said center support arm is attached to said axle;a chest bar attached to said center arm for locking said user withinsaid upper torso support when said machine is in use; and a weightsupport arm attached on opposing side of said axle, wherein a peg isattached to said weight support arm for attaching free weights.
 9. Arotary torso exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein said lowertorso support comprises: a lower torso support bar integrally connectedto said foot hold at said second end of said frame; and a seat cushionattached atop said lower torso support bar.
 10. A rotary torso exercisemachine according to claim 1, wherein said lower torso support isintegrally connected to said foot hold with an axle.
 11. A rotary torsoexercise machine according to claim 1, further comprising a chest barlocking mechanism including a cable attached to said chest bar, whereinsaid cable includes a pin mechanism at an end, a plate includingapertures mounted on said axle, and a peg having an aperture attached tosaid frame in front of said plate, whereby when said chest bar is pulledup, said pin mechanism will selectively engage said aperture in said pegand in said plate and when said chest bar is pulled down, said pinmechanism will selectively disengage said aperture in said peg and insaid plate.
 12. A rotary torso exercise machine, comprising: afreestanding frame; an upper torso support rotatably attached to a firstend of said frame for supporting a user's upper torso in a supineposition; a lower torso support rotatably attached to a second end ofsaid frame for supporting a user's lower torso in alignment with theupper torso in said supine position; feet stabilizing struts attached toa second end of said frame for stabilizing the user's feet in saidsupine position; and a weight support arm coupled to said upper torsosupport, said weight support arm including a peg for holding freeweights to impart resistance against rotation of said upper torsosupport.
 13. The rotary torso exercise machine, according to claim 12,wherein said frame is comprised of hollow tubing.
 14. The rotary torsoexercise machine, according to claim 12, wherein said upper and lowertorso supports further comprise cushioning for comfort.
 15. The rotarytorso exercise machine, according to claim 12, further comprising anbelt coupled between said upper torso support and said weight supportarm for imparting resistance against rotation of said upper torsosupport.
 16. The rotary torso exercise machine, according to claim 15,wherein said belt comprises a continuous belt mounted at one side on acam attached to said upper torso and coupled on another side to saidweight support arm for imparting resistance against rotation of saidupper torso support during both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation.